One way to begin eating healthier is to start substituting undesired food with a healthier version. For example, if you are trying to go from white flour to whole grain, you may start with one of the new whole grain white breads. Then you can step it up to whole wheat. Then you can set it up to gluten free or sprouted grains. Here's a chart for some ways to insert healthier foods into your diet. Baby steps!

In our Chinese Etiology class, the #1 cause of disease was translated as "Mental Irritation" - comparatively in Western Etiology class, most of the listed cause of disease was "unknown" then came a list of guesses. 

I think the Chinese were onto something.....

With treatment directly improving your body's parasympathetic nervous system, your body regains its ability to heal and regulate itself.  It makes relaxation an option!

The old research was good. The new research even better!

http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/744-ivfmoxa

 It Seems Spring has Sprung! 

Oh the back and forth!!!   There is one thing for sure.......change!   It doesn't look like we can stop it or avoid it, so we might as well embrace it and enhance our amazing capacities of adaptation. 

 
Been seeing a lot of complaints for balance, dizziness, tinnitus,  queasy feelings and digestive upset.  One thing I admire about Chinese medicine is its unfailing ability account for the effects of mother nature on our systems.   It's really so smart.  Here in Jax, it's like a moldy wet bathroom - not such a great environment for healthy  mammalian living.  Often times the above conditions can be caused by improper treatment of the common types of respiratory and immunity issues we have here in this climate.  Suppression of the immune system can help temporarily relieve the un-comfortableness of a symptom of illness, however, if no other action is taken to make the correction in the body and lifestyle, then the natural immune system will eventually wither and your body becomes susceptible to more illness and disease, with very little ability to respond effectively.  Taking allergy related medicines and herbals which dry your head will cause dehydration in places that need moisture.   Then heat rises causing the above symptoms.  

Now that Spring is springing, it's time to deal with the allergies in a way that enhances your immune system and balances moisture and circulation in the head and body.  Chinese  Medicine  physicians know how to do that well.  Let me show you how.

This link is a good primer for understanding Low T in Chinese medical philosophy and treatment.   Check it out! 

Lessons from Room 2: 

Breathe!!! 

All fire needs air to burn. Breathing stokes your fire, gives you energy, uplifts a sinking spirit, oxygenates your blood for healing and repair, activates digestion with pressure and relaxation chemicals. Good stuff!

Lessons from Room 3:              I've blogged on convenience. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE  and RELY on convenience. Convenience is very convenient. As a working Mama, I NEED IT! But, for myself, I've been questioning my reliance on it and the actions and motivation of the industry perpetuating it. The underlying assumptions on our need for all this convenience may not all hold water. And while we may be more quickly connected and spend less time waiting for some goods, services and information - for what we have gained, we have also suffered some losses. I'm evaluating the balance of those transactions in my life. The ramifications run deep and pose some inevitable (and dreaded ;) inconveniences!!!! So, what to do in the middle of the evaluation process? The best I can recommend is unplug and go into nature. When you experience the profound connection to the grand almighty that created this mess (smile) - the evaluation process become simpler and decisions can be made. One step at a time, we can embrace the reality of what we are becoming while maintaining a RESPECTFUL connection to the source of where we come from - above and below.

I try hard to keep my posts positive and NOT scary, however, being in the medical field, you see trends and then wonder.  This kind of research is being suppressed here and in some parts of Europe, but this study coming from Egypt got out.   If this is true, which common sense tells us it is, it can seem overwhelming when trying to deal with the ramifications of the tests.  The best way to REDUCE unwanted GMO exposure is to:
1.  Corn is done.  I know.  I hate that too, but truth is, unless you grow your own heirloom variety in a green house, it's ALL GMO.  Bye, bye corn chips.  
2.  Soy, once considered a health food, is wildly GMO now and enhances estrogen levels in the body.  Switch to Almond Milk.  Google what to do about soy and tofu.....
3.  Canola is mostly GMO.  Switch to coconut or olive oil.  
4.  Buy organic where possible.  Even that is under question now, but the negative aspect of GMOs are reduced in organic food.    
5.  Get involved.  Support your right to know what you're eating by signing petitions and urging your congress people to represent YOU, not corporate giant, Monsanto, and require labeling of all GMO foods.  
6.  Support bio-diversity - just like we don't marry our brothers and sisters, crops need diversity in their genes as well.  That's another problem with Monsanto.  They are extinguishing crop diversity for profit and patent purposes.  It is their goal to own the rights to every major type of crop.  In their plan, if you try to grow some corn in your back yard and it's a GMO they created or one of theirs that cross pollinated with your corn, you will be fined (taxed) for growing their brand of seed.  I posted previously about watering down the seed supply.  We used to have over 30 varieties of corn.  Now we only have 12.  Monsanto is working hard, spending billions on making that number 1.  One brand of corn, their brand.  This is not a conspiracy.  It is the truth.  There is still a window where we can stop this.  But once too much of this gets out into the environment, it's game over bio-diversity.   It may be too late for the USA, but other countries are fighting this.  Maybe we should join in.......

 In Chinese Medicine, water drinking and eating are separated.  Water alone can purify your system and food alone is digested better because the water doesn’t dilute the stomach acid.  Water takes 45 minutes to process.  Food takes 2 hours.  The schedule to follow, which aids proper digestion and metabolic (weight loss & energy) functions is:   

 Wake: Drink full glass of lukewarm water.  Wait 45 minutes to eat.  

Eat breakfast.  Wait 2 hours before drinking water. 

 Drink full glass of lukewarm water.  Wait 45 minutes before eating.   

 Lunch: Eat lunch.  Wait 2 hours before drinking water. 

 Drink full glass of lukewarm water.  Wait 45 minutes before eating.   

 Dinner: Eat dinner.  Wait 2 hours before drinking water. 

 Drink full glass of lukewarm water before bed.   

Participants notice better digestion, more energy and better hydration.   Some   American’s have trouble with this schedule in the morning because of work and not eating breakfast.  In Chinese Medicine, the eating philosophy is:   

 Eat breakfast like a King, 

 Lunch like a Prince, and 

 Dinner like a Pauper.   

 In the Chinese body clock, your digestive system is most active from 7-9am.   It’s off for the night after 6pm.  It also hates cold (limit iced or cold foods) If you eat late, the liver/gall bladder system has to get too involved.  This interrupts sleep     cycles and creates digestive symptoms.  This schedule honors the natural cycle of internal organ function.  Give it a try.  You’ll enjoy the results!      

Kids like different colored foods. Mine like watching the Avatar with all the different powers of the elements, fire, water, earth and air. We say we're building fire power eating red foods!   Our "earth" power is stronger with yellow foods,  etc... Here's a good chart. I'd add purple potatoes to the list as well!

7.0 ph is the level that your body functions at its best. Recent cancer DNA research has discovered that CANCER CELLS thrive in acidic, low oxygen conditions. That's why we recommend cutting back sugar and changing your coffee to either green tea or a low acid coffee (Kava brand) - its extreme use and resulting acidity says, "Hey, cancer, grow here!" In order to see cancer on a PET scan you have to ingest sugar to make it active. You don't need to be a fancy pants doctor to figure this connection out! 

Yay Alkaline - 

Boo Hiss Acid..............! Everybody............

Many common household items can be used to heal disease.  Check this out:

Winter sore throat "tea". In a jar, combine lemon slices, organic honey and sliced ginger. Close jar and put it in the fridge, it will form into a "jelly". To serve: Spoon jelly into mug and pour boiling water over it. Store in fridge 2-3 months.

I have a magic combination of points for knee pain - it's call the Bachman Knee Treatment.  Over the years, I have seen many miraculous results.   I have seen people walk in with canes and walk out on their own.  People who could not squat down before the treatment and were able to squat unassisted and without pain after the treatment.   I have had patients scheduled for knee surgery and after acupuncture they were able to cancel the surgery and move on without pain.   Nothing makes you appreciate mobility like a knee injury.  You don't have to suffer!

Everyone has up and down days. Even the weather gets depressed! An attitude of gratitude is the best remedy. Expressing gratitude not only gives you a positive foundation, it can change someone's else's day. I had a day last week where,eehh......honestly for a moment, I was wondering why I go to all the trouble. 

Then the door opened and the mailman delivered this note: 

"Dear Beth, There could never be any way for us to thank you for helping us bring our greatest treasure into this life. She brings us laughs, joy, and love each and every moment of the day. We are more grateful than you will ever know. With Love, J & T" 

It was like the sun broke out - lifted my day and inspired me to continue on. The timing of the universe is quite profound and grand.

While generally, geriatric acupuncture in the USA is not as popular as other forms of acupuncture for various reasons, it can be helpful over the long term in some cases.  Usually we do a phone consult and/or an economy consult to determine if it can be helpful or if it is possible to fulfill the recommended treatment course.  Often, it requires regular, weekly visits and progress is slow.  Additionally, medicare does not pay for acupuncture.   Some seniors will come for a few visits, and then stop.  But if the initial course is not completed, the initial visits will be a waste.  While I do not want to be discouraging, because I have helped countless wonderful seniors over the years who enjoyed and benefited  from the treatments, I want to be realistic up front.  I will not waste your time or money.  If you think that you or your elderly loved one may be interested - let's do a free consult first and go from there.  Senior discounts are available, however, consideration needs to be given that treatments are generally more lengthy, require advanced experience, and the physician should have meticulous skill with the needles.   

Acupuncture Treatments:  Sterile, disposable needles are used to activate communication between DNA cells and stimulate circulation of hormonal messaging within the Bonghan Channels. (see my blog for information on the newly discovered Bonghan or acupuncture Channels)   Various kinds of styles and points are selected based on your needs and budgetary freedom.    

Pain Relief Acupuncture:  The Balance method acupuncture introduced in the USA by Dr. Richard Tan works extremely well for chronic and acute pain.  After the initial pain consultation, balance method acupuncture is used to neutralize pain signals in the body & increase circulation in problem areas.  A 50% reduction in pain can be expected in your first visit.  Our ultimate goal is to get you off any pain medication and get you back to the active lifestyle you enjoy.   Discount Packages available.  See pricing sheet on web page.

Parasympathetic Retraining Treatments:  The ultimate in relaxation, usually done in a series of 4-6 acupuncture treatments because we are training your brain to respond to stress in a more effective, controlled manner.   These unique and specialized treatments are designed to activate and secure your body's ability to counteract and recover from stress signals brought about by day to day exposure.  Many modern day diseases are caused by being in a constant state of stress.  Our bodies forget how to relax.  This treatment activates the para-sympathetic nervous system (see my blog) and keeps it working so you can feel more in control and recover from stress quicker.  These  treatments have been proven to be clinically effective for many types of conditions including: PMS, fertility, PCOS,  endometriosis, weight loss, chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, high blood pressure, migraines, headaches, digestive disorders, IBS, constipation, hyperacidity, insomnia, allergies, skin problems, anxiety, & depression. Packages available.  See pricing sheet on web page.

Economy Acupuncture:  Sessions designed to introduce the community to the general benefits of acupuncture without incurring a lot of costs or spending a lot of time.  For those on tight budgets.  Can be useful to generally improve almost any kind of condition.   Packages available   Sliding scales offered at all times to anyone who wants to see me, but can't afford the economy rates.  Please call to discuss.    

 Natural Fertility Acupuncture For Women: For those attempting to start a family naturally without the assistance of pharmaceutical drugs and hormones.  After the full initial consult we determine a plan to improve your chances by fixing the underlying problems associated with infertility - namely endometriosis, PCOS &/or poor egg quality.  We determine the course based on what we find.  These are very in depth sessions designed to fix problems and get to the root cause of your issues.  During the course of therapy, we develop a close bond.  Where 2 or 3 are gathered together.........miracles happen.  On average women receive 2-6 months of weekly treatments.  Some more, some less.  It depends on where you are in the process. The first few months are necessary to determine your menstrual pattern, the next few months correct any problems we find.  After the initial course of treatments, chances for getting pregnant improve by 30-35%.  Not bad!  On average, my clients get pregnant during the 4th or 5th month of treatment.  I have been specializing in these treatments for over 15 years.  Experience matters in these cases. Packages Available.  See rate sheet on web page.

IVF/IUI/ART Enhancement for Women:  For those working with a local reproductive endocrinologist.  Acupuncture has been shown to increase IVF success rates by up to 26%.  These once weekly sessions improve egg development and help you feel more relaxed and in control of your cycle.   This has been my specialty for 9 years.   Consult is free.  Packages Available:  

All pre IVF/IUI/ or stim sessions = $70 

 Day of transfer before and after treatment package= $250 

Two weeks notice to general target transfer date required) 

 Just for Men:  Acupuncture has a long, rich history in improving men's strength, health and well being.  Recent research proves its effectiveness in improving hormonal levels for conditions like Low T or E.D.  It will also correct and greatly improve sperm count, motility and morphology in fertility cases.  After the full initial consult, we utilize Chinese herbals, dietary changes and acupuncture therapy to help improve these conditions. Packages Available:  See current rate sheet on pricing web page.

5 Element Rebalancing Therapy:   Acupuncture became popular in Europe long before Americans discovered its benefits.  German and English acupuncture physicians developed traditions and styles of acupuncture for more western type diseases brought about by industrialization and our hectic modern lifestyles.  Using ancient body typing and a regime of acupuncture that diminishes excessive influences and supplements deficiencies, certain types of modern diseases can get better and eventually go away.  This therapy is a favorite for those suffering from anxiety, depression, insomnia, bi-polar disorders, ADD/ADHD, chronic fatigue and control issues.  After the full initial consult, as series of 10 treatments are given to rebalance the limbic system and relieve more mental and emotional kinds of disorders. Packages available.  See rate sheet on web page.  

Weightloss & Addiction Auricular Therapy:  Treatments designed to curb cravings, reduce appetite, help your metabolism run more efficiently, balance the chemicals in your brain and increase your will power by reducing adrenal fatigue.  It’s an interesting and effective resolution to those ready for a change in their eating and relaxation habits.  Packages Available: See current rate sheet on web page.

Qigong Therapy:  This very special healing method is as secret as it is effective.  Many people have yet to hear of it's miraculous ability to heal difficult and chronic illnesses.  A god send to chronic pain sufferers, cancer prevention, metabolism disorders and chronic depression this life changing treatment is getting ready to be the next big thing.  Move over yoga.  Qigong is spreading fast.  Usually done one session a month.  Must apply for acceptance into qigong therapy program.  Application & consult free. (sessions last about an hour and a half)  1 session =   $125 through March            

4 sessions = $100 each    

Starving Students:  I was there.  Free consult and economy treatments $45 each.  

Consult for Herbal Therapy without Acupuncture:  $45 

Herb costs:  Varies depending on form we use – herbs are generally less       expensive than prescription medication 

Herbs forms available:  pill, extract tea, raw herb tea, & tincture   

Chi Kung / Qi Gong (chee kong) Therapy 

Chi Kung or Qigong literally means "to be skillful with one's energy." With the advent of Quantum Physics and our ability to understand and document the nature of "energy," it is no wonder that forms of medicine based upon energetic theoretical models are gaining wide popularity here in the West.  Qigong therapy is the ultimate expression of that trend. 

Thanks Richard Nixon & Bill Clinton!!!!  (oh boy) Acupuncture goes Mainstream 

Public demand for Chinese Medicine spurred the development of trade school around the nation. Slowly, state legislatures developed practice acts allowing for the regulation and licensing of Chinese Medical practices.   

Information about Chinese herbology has remained intact and consistently utilized for over 3,000 years.  They invented the printing press in the 400's & have been researching and cataloging herbal information since then.  The herbalists were elite scholars.  They could read and write.   Much of the information about European traditional remedies were only known by uneducated midwives who passed knowledge down verbally, only to be killed en mass by the church.  That was beneficial.   NOT! 

  

Next, Chinese Medicine has a very sophisticated method of diagnosis.  You are visiting me here today because you have a problem.  Your doctor has probably named your symptom for you.  But, has your doctor told you WHY you have this problem?  Do you know what is causing your issue?   It is extremely easy to get your doctor to say "I don't know."   Just ask him or her why you have a problem.  It's almost funny - give it a try.  Conversely, good luck trying to get an "I don't know" from your acupuncturist.  "I don't know" really isn't an option.  Every disease has a cause.  We'll be happy to tell you how you got your problem.  We'll also be happy to tell you how to get rid of your problem and improve your health and well being.  

Additionally, for our OB/GYN patients, we offer raw herbs that are boiled into a tea for drinking and extract formulas which are put in to hot water and taken like a tea.  This method allows for individual customization and rapid delivery which is necessary in pregnancy and/or some fertility treatment protocols. 

Most of the bottled herbal formulas I prescribe are American manufactured for your peace of mind.  The raw herbs are non-sulfured, organic and 1st grade where available. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had an ongoing joke during acupuncture college in our Pathology/etiology classes.  We took two classes of each, one set of classes for western medicine and another for Chinese medicine.  The differences between our understanding of what CAUSES disease is the core difference between these two VERY DIFFERENT forms of medicine.  It's the main reason integration of the two has been so difficult.

 

 

In our western medical Etiology class, the book we studied from was so thick and fancy with really thin pages, crammed full of big long, difficult to pronounce words.  It was quite intimidating.  However, we were struck by the overwhelming number of times we read "etiology unknown."   To be honest, I was shocked at how very little we know in western medicine about what causes us to be sick.  We can name the symptoms.  We can develop chemicals that cancel the mechanism of the symptom, but we have very little idea about the causation of disease.  Seriously, the overwhelming majority of the time, "etiology unknown" is the answer given in our fancy schmaney medical books.

 

On the opposite end of the scale, the number one cause of disease listed in Chinese medical etiology was "menal irritation."   Every disease we studied - mental irritation, mental irritation, mental irritation.  Those words struck me.  Not very fancy.  Or Latin mind you.   But it struck a deep cord of truth that has been proven over and over to me while working with thousands of patients over the last 17 years.   

The negative effects of stress on our bodies regulatory systems is just now being researched and "discovered" in the west.  When you stress out, whether it's because Jason is chasing you with an ax or your boss just gave you an unrealistic deadline or your 3 year has other plans for your morning, your body's main life promoting mechanisms are shut down.   It takes hours and sometimes even days, before your body recovers.  That's if you don't get stressed again by something else before that happens.  Recovery from stress is further hindered by poor sleep habits and poor nutrition.  (your body doesn't have what it needs to recover- and without adequate sleep - it doesn't have time to recover.)  The buzzer rings, you pop or crawl out of bed and it all starts over again.  It took me years to adopt the "it's just pre school" mentality to trying to get my kids to school on time.  I was wrecked every morning trying to get my 2 year old to pre school on time.  It just set the whole tone of the day wrong.  The stress hormones where pouring out and it never stopped.   Then I noticed all the grey hair and the sore low back.  My body was saying," Hey - I'm wearing out here.  Can we try a little opposite to stress monkey??"  Now I have no excuse.  I know the key to the universe.  But, it takes some skill at doing what you know.  

When you stress out, chemicals are released in your brain and adrenals.  They spill out into your body causing:

1.  Your digestive system to stop.  Sluggish digestion.  Poor nutrient absorption.  Interference in your menstrual cycle, endometriosis, PCOS, constipation, IBS  follow depending on your body type.

2.  Your breathing becomes rapid and shallow and your heart rate increases so you can run away from Jason.  Trouble is, your sitting in your car or at your desk.  The diaphragm does not squish your liver to release fresh purified blood into your cardiovascular system.  Your blood flow is directed to your arms and legs instead of staying in your torso to nourish your internal organs.  The blood stagnates around the liver causing chemical imbalances throughout the body.  This causes, PMS, Hyper-acidity, Gas, Bloating, Irritability, metabolism and immune sluggishness. No good.

That's where acupuncture, which stimulates your PARASYMPATHETIC nervous system, comes in super handy.   The relaxation response cancels all of the stress triggers and allows your body to recover, heal, nourish and regulate itself.   People are yabbering about the trouble with regulation.  If it was so bad, your body wouldn't have regulating capabilities.  All kinds of trouble comes when the regulators go on vacation.   

When I rest on the table with needles, stress relieving endorphins spill forth from my brain.  My breathing becomes normal.  My heart rate goes down.  I can even feel my intestines start to move and work again. My mind becomes clear.  The way opens up before me.  Afterwards, I find I have the energy and will power to do what I know I should do, but couldn't motivate myself to do before acupuncture.  It's amazing.   Additionally, through regular treatment, the relaxation brain response becomes stronger and I notice I can maintain patience and control.  Handy skill with kids.

While acupuncture can do much more than just counter act stress - considering how much stress we're all under, especially in this fast paced industrialized society - that alone is enough to make acupuncture a vital therapy for survival in the modern world.  No kidding.   Week after week, year after year, patient after patient tells me they look forward to their stress recovery naps every week.  They can't live without them.  None of us can.  None of us should.  Get your stress levels down with a relaxing acupuncture session and see what everyone is raving about.   It good stuff.

Besides, we're the only doctors who can tell you WHY you have your symptom.  More on in depth Chinese diagnosis later. 

 

So I'm nutrition 101ing my husband.   I only recently realized just because I learned it doesn't mean he did.  My ladies always want to get their hubbies healthier and that's the age old question - how do I get him to join me in getting healthier.  For years I've done the "here - take these" approach.  I'm not very strict at home.  It would have to be a drag to be married to someone who's always raising their eyebrow at everything you do.  I find when people become aware of something they didn't know before, they're more likely to begin to make gradual changes with that awareness.  So saying all that, I had bought a super duper food enzyme for my husband, but really didn't want to add it to the "here - take this" graveyard of supplement bottles.  Honestly, it doesn't work long term that way because

1.  Change is being instigated upon you which makes it subject to refusal for control purposes and/or

2.  The person on the passive receiving end has not engaged the conscious mind to enhance the new habit and 

3.  Although an initial willingness to ingest something you know nothing about just because your wife says it's good for you, from a man's perspective is just another compromise in a long line  of marital compromises eventually leading back to 1.

So, the reason for the 101 class.  First of all, it's taken some commitment to change our schedules and endure some hardship to value time together during waking hours with our kids in school.   I was happy we got to that point.  The sacrifices were worth it.  In any event, the lesson today was dead food and enzymes.   

To sum it up:   Most of the food we consume has been dead a long time.   In Chinese Medicine the concept of dead food is very important - so much so that they don't do left overs.  The idea is to ingest food that is as close to it's alive state as possible.  Recently, you may notice a lot of attention surrounding local, organic food.  The more local it is, the more chance it has of containing what the Chinese call "live essence."   This would be lettuce just out of the ground.  This would be milk just squeezed out of the cow.  This would be a cow that was just slaughtered (as appreciatively and as humanely as possible) etc....  

When we talk about "processed" food in holistic health circles, we mean food that is prepared in a far away factory, prepared and packaged to have long shelf lives and withstand travel from great distances.  Our boxed and bagged food might have been alive at some point, but the LIFE FORCE ENERGY left it a long time ago.

So big deal, right?   Yeah, it's a big deal. 

Your body is looking for life force energy to sustain and rebuild itself.  Your DNA, we are now discovering, contains the intelligence of every ancestor that preceded you.  You are a millionth or so copy of the original mother, who we have now proven came from Africa.  I love it when science proves the wisdom literatures true.  But the relevant part here is that the food while being processed for:

1.  Shelf life

2.  Visual appeal &

3.  Taste sensations hopefully leading to addiction and future sales

(I will post about International House Coffee Creamers in the future- evil         bastards)

the nutrients that your body needs are stripped.   Synthetically produced nutrients, which your DNA doesn't recognize so readily, are added back into the food so that the manufacturer can have some consciousness about calling it a food "product" on the package.   As my 4 year old would say.  Ok. Fine.

On of the major kickers here though is that the life force energy in food, which sounds all hookey dookey is really processes that use natural chemicals such as ENZYMES to help in the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay and death.  The real food, in its original form still had this intrinsic natural process going on inside it.  The processed food squashed, smashed, grated, heated, pasteurized, chemically canceled the vital life force energy out of it so it would fit in the box and keep on a shelf for 5 years.  But without the life force energy, what's really the point of eating it - or so they say in Chinese Medicine.  Personally, I'm thinking of a little Debbie Snack Cake and thinking, well I'd eat it because it tastes good and makes me happy.  (No worries, I haven't had one in over 30 years - but I ate enough of them as a kid to be dead by now!)  

The realization after realizing that we eat processed food because:

1.  It's convenient

2.  we forgot or didn't have time to cook or buy whole food

3.  we don't care.  We eat for pleasure and comfort

can only be that REALLY we eat because our body needs live force energy to grow and stay alive.    When we eat food that is dead, over fakey processed, we fatigue our bodies with a game of Zike.  Here's your dinner.  Good luck finding what you're looking for.  Then comes the bloat.  The hyper acidity.  The fatigue and the strange hunger that comes after eating.  Your body got full after your meal, but it didn't get nourished.  Big difference.

So, you say, I can't change all that at once.  No, you probably cant.  BUT you can, at least:

1.  Add in a food enzyme to help your body break down the processed food.   Whole, just recently alive food has natural enzymes in it.  When you eat dead processed food, the enzymes aren't there.  Your body has to release extra acid to break it down.  Especially when you swallow it whole because you didn't chew it up enough.  

2.  Chew your damn food.  Your saliva has natural enzymes that break your food down.  If you can't afford an enzyme, just chew your food at least 20 times before swallowing.  Never thought of that.  Go ahead.  Count your chews.  You'll be shocked.  So when whole pieces of food go down in haste - hyper acidity.  Now you can be like the moron in the PREVACID commercial and keep on wolfing down the acidic dead food like a zombie OR you can just chew it up with your own saliva for free.   

3.  Make sure you take naturally sourced Vitamins and Minerals which should have been in your food to begin with but aren't.  Naturally sourced is important.  That means your body will recognize and accept the nutrient in it's original natural form.  

4.  Lightly steam your vegetables to activate the natural enzymatic break down process. Help your body.  It's spending a tremendous amount of your life force energy trying to make some energy out of the fake dead food we give it. 

5.  Begin to think about your food as once being a live.  Try to get as close to the live part as possible.  Be willing, one step at a time to change one processed food a week to something whole, natural, unprocessed, local if possible and as close to it being once alive as possible.  Just think about it.  The change will come to you if you hold it in your awareness.

6.  Begin the switch from regular to organic.  One product at a time.  From regular to whole grain.  The store are making it easier thank goodness.  Even Winn Dixie has organic, whole grain options.

Holy moley.  Not only did I do 2 blogs in a row.  This was like a long one.  I'm done.  If you have any questions or comments, call or email.  Night.

Oh boy.  I haven't been good about these.  Most of my great blog ideas come in the shower.  Too bad I can't blog from there.  My clinic and my boys keep me running, but I'm committed to do better in this new year of the dragon!   Maybe with him breathing some fire down my back, I'll make the time..........smile.

The past couple of weeks have been hallmarked by an interesting number of clients who are plagued by nagging recurring aches, pains and problems.  They will work and get the problem fixed, but after about 4-6 months, the problem comes back.  Usually, the body works in cycles.  When we get better after our initial course of acupuncture and the lifestyle changes we make, we have a tendency to go back to business as usual.

A common mistake I see with my clients and new clients coming in, is that they did not maintain the changes they made once they got better.  We all have a habit of only addressing issues when they become painful.  Our whole healthcare system is set up only addressing problems long after they have started.

In Chinese Medicine, the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  I'd change it to say $95 of prevention is much better than $2,000 of cure.  No one wants the hassle of appointments and doctor's bills, but staying healthy WHILE you're healthy just rationally makes sense.

We have no problem getting routine maintenance on our cars.  Why not our bodies?   It's the smartest approach to aging and the problems with healthcare in our country.  

So, initially you start here with a course of treatment to solve your problem.  Then I release you.  You're good to go.  BUT, if you don't do anything to maintain what we just did AND if you do not continue the simple lifestyle modifications we worked on during your initial course, it's likely your problem will return at some point.  Usually during times of increased stress.  Often, I hear patients say, well, it didn't work because the pain came back.  But that is not the whole truth.  It worked, but you didn't continue to take care of yourself, you went back to your old habits.  It should not be a surprise when your body goes out of balance again.  

This is why maintenance is so important.  So what does maintenance look like to you?   Those levels are determined by:

1.  your age

2.  the type of problem you have

3.  how much of the lifestyle modifications you forgot or let go of

4.  your genetic tendency

5.  stress levels

6.  time and budget constraints

On average, once a month massage and seasonal acupuncture along with 70-80% lifestyle modification adherence is all that is necessary.  Notice how I did not say 100% lifestyle modification?   That's what I love about Chinese Medicine.  All things in moderation.  Even the good things.  Smile.

So, if you are plagued with re-occurring problems, it may be that you have either not fixed the original problem or you fixed it, but didn't maintain it.

If you are not sure what your maintenance schedule should be, feel free to call or email and we'll figure out what will work for you.

There.  First blog of the new year.  Not so bad.  Let's see if I can do another tomorrow..................smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting to notice that the fertility firms would rather admit to hypothetical

medical errors than acknowledge that acupuncture and Chinese herbs are helpful  for sperm count, motility and morphology. 

 

I had  yet ANOTHER client (three this year so far) call and say that the doctor said the huge difference in his sperm sample was probably due to them leaving the first sperm sample out too long before measuring it.   So after the first sample, they say he has a problem.  He comes here, gets acupuncture, takes herbs and retests.  The results are stellar.   The only viable explanation the doctor has is that the first one must have been wrong.  Again, the doctor says food and lifestyle habits have no bearing on sperm health.   So apparently what you eat has no bearing on your health.   If nutrition had no bearing on fruit and seed production, why is there such a product as Miracle Gro?   I thought the whole western medical deal was to honor reason and truth.  

What I find more disturbing than the doctors' lack of common sense, is the creation of doubt within the patient.  Moreover, patients really don't like thinking they are smarter than their doctors.   It creates insecurity and doubt.  Neither of which is required or helpful in achieving pregnancy.

This research report has been laying around in your doctors office for SIX years.  

 

Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):141-7.

Pei J, Strehler E, Noss U, Abt M, Piomboni P, Baccetti B, Sterzik K.

SourceLonghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. jianpei99@yahoo.com

Abstract

 

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the ultramorphologic sperm features of idiopathic infertile men after acupuncture therapy.DESIGN:Prospective controlled study.

 

SETTING:Christian-Lauritzen-Institut, Ulm, IVF center Munich, Germany, and Department of General Biology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

 

PATIENT(S):Forty men with idiopathic oligospermia, asthenospermia, or teratozoospermia.

 

INTERVENTION(S):Twenty eight of the patients received acupuncture twice a week over a period of 5 weeks. The samples from the treatment group were randomized with semen samples from the 12 men in the untreated control group.

 

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):Quantitative analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the samples, using the mathematical formula based on submicroscopic characteristics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've mentioned BPAs before - chemicals in plastics, wax paper, and canned goods and how they mimic the action of estrogen in the body.  Manufacturers claim that minute exposures in their products have no ill affects on our health.  If we were only exposed to these chemicals once or twice every now and then, they may have a point.  However, with as many manufacturers that are using these chemicals in a vast array of products - our exposure is not minute.   In a typical day, most Americans are exposed to relative large amount of BPAs - They're in your water bottle.   They're in the paper you get your lunch wrapped in.  They're in every commercial tomato/spaghetti sauce - many canned goods. They're in your saran wrap.  They're in the saran wrap they use at every restaurant you dine in or out. (wrapping food with saran wrap and warming it in a microwave is extremely common practice at franchise type restaurants)  These chemicals, so widely used, & mainly in convenience type products, have now entered our water supply and is adversely affecting marine life.   In humans, the risk for pregnant women, fetuses and children is real.  Link for more info:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A

The EPA response:  http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/bpa_action_plan.pdf

The list goes on.  And what it means is that you are being exposed to larger quantities of estrogen like chemicals than the FDA and manufacturers willing to  acknowledge.  No research as been done on the real amounts we are being exposed to.  We are guinea pigs in every sense.  This is not the first time we are being used as lab rats.  In fact, this type of thing is standard practice in the prescription drug industry.  Ask any pharmaceutical  person you know.   Link for more info.  http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/online/research/index.html

But in any event, there are things you can do to reduce your exposure.  What I found interesting, was a brief anecdotal reference in an episode of Conspiracy Theory.   I know, I know - people may think this is crazy stuff.   My litmus test was watching the Global Warming episode.  I'm a confirmed believer.  His show was actually against it and honestly, he made some interesting thought provoking points.  You have to be willing to be wrong about something in order to know the truth.  I still believe in global warming.  I'm glad to see more angles on the issue.  The true problem with global warming is really the effects of our over-populating the earth which brings us to population control  the water bottles.   

I've included a link to the episode on the Great Lakes.  Basically, China is buying Lake Michigan.  They've been siphoning it off  with pumps miles away from the lake in a heavily armed and secure bottling plant.  The water levels are shrinking.  People are up in arms.  The local government, who is profiting from this operation, is stone-walling press and public inquiry.   However, there was an interview with a scientist who make a very interesting statement about the Chinese government and water bottles.  Here's a link to the episode.  It's worth the watch.  Especially if you want to have children, or if you already have them.

  

Check out Jessie Ventura's Conspiracy Theory here: http://www.conspiracytheoryjesseventura.com/2010/12/conspiracy-theory-with-jesse-ventura-season-2-episode-6-great-lakes/

 

Convenience creates dependency.   All these commercials showing the inconvenience of our hassles.  You see these fake stressed out mom's pulling their hair out over a mop or dust pan.  Of course they offer a new convenient product to solve your nagging hassles.

No "thing" has ever removed worry and hassle from our lives.  Every new convenient invention brings its own set of worries and its own set of hassles.  Now we just have more stuff to worry about and hassle with.  Go ahead, make the list.  You know what I'm talking about.

 

It appears stress & worry are actually unavoidable constants of the universe.   Part of the motivational aspect of the evolutionary process.  That being the case, instead of hassling  over inevitable worries and stress, why don't we try being grateful for the worry and hassle free moments.  There are plenty of those to go around.   Show some love to the person next to you.  Much better than hassling with your worries and stress.  

If you can't think of any worry or hassle free moments, I recommend Chi Kung meditation.  Meditation is basically you doing nothing while you are conscious.  It's good for the brain and the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular & digestive systems.  Even your computer has a sleep button.  Every process needs a rest.  

In those restful moments, when stress relieving chemicals are being released and circulated around the body, it is easier to feel what works and to feel what is right.  Clarity is necessary for positive forward movement.  You may even notice what's not working in your body and in your life.  Once you identify a problem area, don't ignore it, but don't center your mind on it either.  

 

Chronic focus on the problem usually perpetuates it.  A good look over is important.  See what it is.  Come up with a solution.  Focus on the solution.  Become a solution master.  With time and small positive choices made daily, the problem eventually fades away.   Not as quickly as you would like.  Seriously, lack of patience is a chronic illness in our society.  You didn't get sick or fat or infertile over night.  You most likely won't get better overnight either.  It's all a natural process, in and out, up and down, forward and back.   Cycles.  A divine scheme.  If you don't have time to heal - it's probably because you have too much stuff to worry and hassle over.  The stuff has maxed your capacities.   Get rid of the stuff - get rid of the hassle.  Simplify.  Here's a link to help.   http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/

A client's friend wanted to know if acupuncture treats RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.  That was a pretty common diagnosis back in the early 90's.  We've successfully seen a fair number of cases in this clinic.  Acupuncture has been shown to slow the progression.  With the use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture, it is possible to stop the progression.   I've never treated a RSD patient that did not improve.

 

 

A client had to pee during a treatment and her CD was skipping during the session.  She didn't know what to do. This happens.  If clients suffer from urinary frequency, please notify me before the session.  I will check on you periodically.  If it's a one time deal I drank too much tea at lunch or the CD goes awry or the lamp isn't hot, just call my name out loud.  I can usually hear you where ever I'm at in the clinic & will come and save you.  I do not recommend toughing it out.  It's your session and time.  I am morally obligated and super happy to make it right for you.   Don't worry about disturbing others here.  We're kind of a happy mix of folks who generally work together for the common good and healing of others here.  I have super cool patients.  It's taken years to cultivate them.  I am so very blessed.  Everyone is pretty helpful and understanding of each other.  It works well that way.  BTW, the above client got an extra treatment after her rescue and left smiling and happy.   Whew!

 

 

 

Do I have to stop eating sugar to get pregnant?    Not necessarily, however, we usually do have to address body chemistry issues in any type of case.  Each person is an individual and different factor apply.  Dietary modification recommendations are different for all clients accordingly.  You may just luck out.  However, if every fertility medical professional is telling you to reduce your carbs, it's easier to tackle that, than to try finding alternative ways around it. . . cough cough. . . not mentioning any names.  

 

 

Has anyone told you lately that you rock?  awwww........so sweet.  Glad you think so.   AND glad you're feeling better!!!

 

 

 

A client's husband wanted to know what we do with all the blood.  Ha ha.  There is no blood with acupuncture.  The needles are super fine.  It is rare that any point bleed.  With normal clotting factors, if a spot bleeds a drop, we wipe it with a sterile cotton ball and dispose of it in a medically appropriate waste container.  If your blood is thin or clotting is an issue, we have a powder that will stop any bleeding anywhere.  No worries.  Just in case any one else thinks there's a lot of blood with this treatment - I am smiling as I write this.  No blood.  But lots of endorphins.

 

 

Am I ready to space out my appointments?   Almost.  ;)  I've got an I Ching principle to pass on - then grasshopper.........

 

 

 

What are your fees?   Golly, such a common question.  They vary.   Everyone is different.  Fees are based on treatment frequency and number of treatments needed, complexity of the case, and economic status.  Some people don't initially like flexibility in that area.  No problem, I understand, but it's really an ancient Chinese thing.  My discount fee clients don't mind it at all.  They appreciate it.  My regular fee clients are supportive and don't complain.  

 

If money is the only factor in choosing an acupuncturist, this  may not be the place  for you.  However, if you want to see me personally and have financial need, I just might be the cheapest acupuncture in town!  You won't know until we discuss it together.  In this type of practice, healing comes from a  coach/student type relationship.   The real questions to know are:  can I help you?  Can I teach you something you don't know?  Help you find what you need?  If the answer is yes, then we can come up with the right budget for your needs.  No problem.  I have gladly given out  free & reduced fee  treatments over the years and will continue to do so as long as the need is out there.  If you need acupuncture, I will help you get it in any way I can.  Earnestness and honesty rule here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lovely morning at the Center.  We enjoyed some organic coffee and Oolong tea while learning about the role of the Pericardium and it's position in the body's military complex.   We "heard" the sound of the Pericardium and learned a Qigong exercise to open and increase circulation within the actual pericardium Bonghan channel in the body.

 

The daily I Ching wisdom reminded us that even in times of difficulty, there are lessons to be learned and skills to improve, whether it be business skills, interpersonal skills or ways to improve ourselves by taking gentle moments to reconnect with our source.  Qigong certainly helps us achieve that connection.

 

We learned how pre-conceived notions and unrealistic expectations, particularly those we have no control over can drain our vital energy.  When our vitality is compromised, we do not have the ability to respond to the early warning systems in our body/mind complex - thereby allowing negative patterns to set in and become habits that impair our health and sap joy out of interpersonal lives.

 

 

So, how do these bloggers do it?  I've been wanting one of these for years, but have no time to write in it.  I certainly can't write blogs with phone calls to return and patient's to stick!  Whew!   So I'm doing Bloglets - extremely short notes - hopefully useful - to get it going - the info in my head into yours.  Scary - ha ha!

 

So, briefly for today. . . I started the my open Sunday morning Qigong classes.  Open by invitation only.  Which I guess is not too open.  But I'm open to the people I invited.   I'm adding a class note page however, for those interested in learning more and maybe applying for an invite.  ;)

 

Hopefully, this will be buried in a few weeks by actual entries.

Am enjoying my morning in Dr. Lee's office.  Every now and then he attempts to go home to Singapore only to be foiled by volcanic ash and killer storms -

(let's hope he makes it this time despite the bombing in the Moscow airport where he changes flights - oh boy!)  

 

I'm always honored to stand in for him while he's away.   Lovely, kind patients and helpful staff.   His office filled with Chinese culture and mysterious Kung Fu paraphernalia.   I LOVE IT!   At lunch time we all sit down and eat together - usually Chinese take out.  Very nice to share and fellowship with like minded peoples.  I have lots of wonderful memories of Dr. Lee's DoJo over the years: Tai Chi seminars with Kung Fu Hollywood type superstars, many joyful Chinese New Year celebrations, Tai Chi tournaments, relaxing acupuncture treatments,

(even though he kills me with the extra thick needles ;)  -  Being in his office is always  like coming home.   We are very fortunate here in Jacksonville to have him and his family living here.  Access to world class tai chi/kung fu with a true, wise, kind hearted master.    Ok ok.  Is everyone getting how great this guy is.......????

 

Alright.  Back on topic.   I've got some information on my site about the recent scientific confirmation of the discovery of the acupuncture meridians.   For the past 3,000 years, the theories of "pathways of chi" have been just that.  Theories.  Back in the 60's a north Korean researcher Kim Bong-han, (gotta love the name) found the meridians and issued an abstract.  His claim however, could not be retested because he wouldn't share his formula for the dye he used to find the channels.  So his theory was just that.  More theory.   Well, recently, a new dye was discovered that could be used to test out Bonghan's theory and it worked!  The pathways have been found, and they correlate directly to the ancient acupuncture channels mapped out by the Chinese thousands of years ago.  Pretty cool.  In the past few years, research has exploded in both Koreas and in Europe.  The implications of this find for bio-engineers is astounding to say the least.   Here's what else they've found so far -

 

The official names for the channels are

                       Bonghan Channels (BHC)  or

                       Bonghan Duct  (BHD) or

                       Novel Threadlike Structures (NTS)    ------ Really?   how medical!

 

1.  The channels wrap around all the internal organs and go into the brain.

 

2.  The channels contain Hyaluronic Acid which contains DNA & hormones.

 

3.  Hyaluronic Acid is a popular anti aging tonic.  You can take it in pill form to help with lubrication for your joints or you can rub it on your face to get rid of wrinkles.

 

4.  The channels have a peristaltic action - similar to your intestines.

 

5.  Fluid in the channels moves at .3mm per second and travels 12 cm per cycle.

 

6.  Magnetized nanoparticles injected at Liver 3, an acupuncture point on your foot,  will travel up the channel to points further along the Liver channel, proving the channel connection between the points.  Researchers are injecting nano herbs and nano drugs into them to see what happens now.  Oh Boy.  Here we go.....  Gotta love being a guinea pig.

 

7.  The DNA cells in the channels release bio photons (light) that transmit volumes of information from one part of the body to another.  This confirms the acupuncture theory that needle or laser stimulation on the points control other parts of the body - particularly through the limbic and endocrine systems.

 

8.  There is not much research going on this in the US.  And we're so smart and cutting edge huh?

 

So - onward and upward.  Any time an old doctor says they think acupuncture is a bunch of bahooy - we can now tell em to catch up on their research journal reading!!!   Get with it everybody.  Acupuncture ain't no ancient old timey medicine anymore.  It's cutting edge.  It's quantum charged.  It's the future of medicine.  And you heard it here.   ;-)   Bahooy this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's probably time I make available to the public the daily ins and outs of what's actually happening in a busy holistic healing practice. So many people still are not aware of how the body/mind actually works together to create health and vitality or alternatively illness and disease. Learning how to change lifestyle habits based on convenience, poor philosophy and negative thinking patterns can heal any disease pattern. You can heal. This blog is intended to share how true healing can happen.  Even from diseases you've been told you'll have for life. I hope you find the information shared useful, challenging and inspiring.

 

So here's a list of some upcoming posts  -

 

That should get us started and save me some time in the clinic when I get them all finished.

 

Now - finding the time to write all this.........whew!

 

 

 

OK OK OK!!!!   I'm finally getting it together - into the 21st Century.  I've been feeling the weight of gravity - yea rah mid 40's.  Gotta love it!